I belong to a Christian group that does "street feeding" (a slur, in my view), and I have been nicely asked by City of Phoenix reps to cease and desist.

I have heard the argument that handing out sack lunches twice a month increases the problem. I have been invited to meetings with other people of faith who have fallen in line with the city and its arguments.

Here are points that deserve consideration:

1. If the government and private charities they direct know what they are doing, why is the problem bad and getting worse?

2. How is street feeding more harmful than food stamps and other far more lavish, widespread types of government aid?

3. People might get sick from our leftovers they hold onto. Seriously, does that danger not come from them buying fast food? Is prohibiting the homeless from using restaurant take-out and doggie bags next?

4. There is trash. This happens, but we pick up litter we see associated with our donations. People who aren't homeless litter, too.

5. I should have a right to show the homeless I care. It takes a village!